Bush Compromises Stem Cell Research

President Bush sent a disappointing message to millions of Americans by limiting his support for stem cell research (Aug. 10). The pledge of limited funding to designated cell lines only is a slap in the face and signals a callous disregard of those afflicted with neurological diseases. Fortunately we have a Congress that can vote funding to stem cell research. I cannot imagine why more medical research, funded by our tax dollars, is not the national priority.

Kevin Park

Agoura Hills

On research on embryonic stem cells, our president has taken a safe, back-seat decision--a decision based on the least political damage.

Derming Wang

Diamond Bar

I have been struck by the fact that President Bush and the right-wing conservatives he panders to have a narrow focus in their concern for human life and its quality. They confine their interest to the period from conception to birth. After birth their compassion dwindles. Note their constant attacks on social programs such as Head Start, food supplementation in schools and aid to education other than a projected increase in testing.

The president’s decision on stem cells is consistent with this thinking: deter research that might medically be beneficial to the living while protecting the small clusters of cells that, as he said, will often be discarded anyway.

Arthur S. Friedman MD

Newport Beach

Are we not going down the path that Nazi Germany took in the 1930s and ‘40s? Any meddling with human embryos flies in the face of God and his law: You shall not kill another human being. Maybe I am old-fashioned, but I believe that the preservation and sanctity of life is supreme and that, as humans, we have no right to change, damage or destroy a human life, no matter what stage its development may have reached.

If we start producing human beings who all look alike, think alike and sound alike, what an awful world it would be for us all. The very diversity of the human race is what makes it so unique. Granted, we have a very long way to go before we can be gentle and peaceful. But let us not tinker with what was and is God’s creation--we have no right to do so!

Michael J. Doust

Port Hueneme

As usual, Bush did as little as he could possibly do so he wouldn’t hurt anyone’s feelings or ruin his slim-to-none chances of reelection. He showed little compassion and little heart and showed what a disappointment he is as a person and a president. At least he didn’t slam the door on my 44-year-old Parkinson-ridden body. He left the door open so we at Team Parkinson can continue to fight, fight for our lives. Bush’s decision was all I expected of him, a sad commentary on the leader of the free world.

Florence Woolery

Westlake Village